Replicate Round Up for August 7th, 2015

Let’s just be honest, most of our churches are sending youth into the world embarrassingly ignorant of our faith. How could we not? We’ve jettisoned catechesis, sold them on “deeds not creeds,” and encouraged them to start the quest to find “God’s plan for their life.” Yes, I know your church has a “What We Believe” page, but is that actually being taught and reinforced from the pulpit? I’ve met evangelical church leaders (“pastors”) who didn’t know the difference between justification and sanctification. I’ve met large church board members who didn’t understand the atonement. When we choose leaders based upon their ability to draw and lead rather than to accurately teach the faith, well, they don’t teach the faith.

A lady in a recent Orality Training Workshop asked what we might learn from the question the disciples asked each other. She wanted to know why they were amazed and surprised at Jesus’ ability to calm a storm and take authority over nature. Those questions opened up a lengthy discussion among a large group of pastors, church leaders and others in that Orality Training Workshop. After much consideration and discussion, the group came to several conclusions. The following are some of their observations and insights: The disciples were on a continuous journey of learning and discovering the greatness of God, expressed through Jesus.